If you had your logo designed by NuVane, you may be wondering, what is an SVG and why do I need it.
What it is:
Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is a web-friendly vector file format. As opposed to pixel-based raster files like JPEGs, vector files store images via mathematical formulas based on points and lines on a grid. This means that vector files like SVG can be significantly resized without losing any of their quality, which makes them ideal for logos and complex online graphics.
It’s not just their resizing abilities that make SVGs hugely popular with web designers. SVGs are written in XML code, meaning they store any text information as literal text rather than shapes. This allows search engines like Google to read SVG graphics for their keywords, which can potentially help a website move up in search rankings.
You can easily spot an SVG file by its .svg extension.
Advantages of SVG files.
- Unlike raster files, which are made up of pixels, vector graphics like SVGs always maintain their resolution — no matter how large or small you make them. You don’t have to worry about SVG images losing their quality in certain browsers or when you resize them to appear in different places.
- Basic SVG files are often smaller than raster images, which are built from lots of colored pixels rather than using mathematical algorithms.
- Because SVG files treat text as text (and not as design), screen readers can scan any words contained in SVG images. This is very useful for people who need help reading webpages. Search engines can also read and index SVG image text.
- Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is a vector file format suitable for the web. It stores images differently than pixel-based formats like JPEGs. Using points and lines on a grid, SVG files create images through math equations. This unique feature lets SVG graphics be resized without losing quality, making them perfect for logos and complex web graphics.
- SVG files stand out because they’re written in XML code, which means they store text as actual text, not as shapes. This feature lets search engines like Google scan SVG graphics for keywords, potentially improving a website’s search ranking. You can identify an SVG file by its “.svg” extension.
Why Use SVG Files?
- SVG files retain their quality, regardless of size changes. No need to worry about image quality loss in different browsers or resizing.
- Typically smaller than raster images, SVGs are built using math equations, not colored pixels.
- SVG files treat text as readable text. This is a boon for both screen readers, helping those with reading difficulties, and search engines that can index the text within SVG images.